Watch: Hugh Grant’s mask slips at the Oscars

The Oscars was always doomed to fail to live up to the drama of last year’s ceremony. In 2022, Will Smith stormed on to the stage to slap host Chris Rock after he took offence to the comic’s routine. But in Los Angeles last night, celebrities were on their best behaviour. Well, mostly.

Step forward, Hugh Grant: press regulator campaigner, enemy of the tabloid press and Paddington actor.

The English film star was buttonholed on the red carpet by his fellow celeb Ashley Graham. Grant’s monosyllabic answers made it look like he would rather be anywhere else in the world.

‘What was it like to be in Glass Onion? How fun is it to shoot something like that?’ Graham asked.

‘Well I’m barely in it, I was in it for about three seconds,’ Grant replied.

The awkwardness didn’t stop there.

‘Who are you most excited to see?’ Graham asked next. ‘No one in particular,’ replied Grant.